Evaluation of the Parametric Effects of Separation of Coal in Vibration Separator Using Plackett–Burman Design of Experiments

Abstract

Plackett–Burman’s design of experiment (DOE) technique provides a mathematical interrelationship between the output parameter and influential input parameters. The vibration separator performance was evaluated by considering three input variables: moisture, inclination, and frequency. Plackett–Burman DOE consists of a minimum number of 12 experimental trials for obtaining the most influential input parameter of the vibration separator. The output parameter of the vibration separator obtained for each experimental trial was separation efficiency. So, the present work provides the most influential input parameter, which highly controls the separation efficiency of the vibration separator for the separation of coal. The model was validated using the residual analysis. Further, the revalidation of the Plackett–Burman DOE mathematical model for the separation of coal was carried out by comparing the closeness of the experimental cube plot and predicted cube plot. Furthermore, the Pareto chart, normal plot, and ANOVA table were utilized to determine the significant input parameter for obtaining higher efficiency of vibration separator. The main effect plot, interactive plots, and optimization results provide the most optimized input parameter for obtaining higher efficiency of coal separation. So, the present work will provide the most influential parameters using Plackett–Burman DOE for separation of coal in the vibration separator. © 2022, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.